Cardiac arrest in children is rare—but when it happens, immediate and correct CPR can save lives. While the principles of CPR remain the same across all ages—maintain circulation and oxygenation—the techniques and priorities differ significantly between adult and pediatric patients. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Causes of Cardiac Arrest Differ
- Adults: Often due to cardiac issues like heart attacks.
- Children/Infants: Usually caused by respiratory failure, shock, or trauma—not a primary heart problem.
🔑 Key Takeaway: For kids, it’s often about oxygenation first, not just compressions.
2. Compression Depth and Rate
- Adults: At least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
- Children: About 2 inches (or 1/3 the chest depth).
- Infants: About 1.5 inches (4 cm) (also 1/3 chest depth).
- All ages: Rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
3. Compression Technique
- Adults: Two hands on the center of the chest.
- Children (1 year to puberty):
- One or two hands depending on size of child/rescuer.
- Infants (under 1 year):
- Single rescuer: Two fingers in center of chest.
- Two rescuers: Two thumbs encircling hands technique.
4. Airway and Breathing
- Pediatric CPR prioritizes ventilation more than adult CPR.
- Start with 5 rescue breaths if child is unresponsive and not breathing.
- Use appropriate size bag-valve mask or mouth-to-mouth.
5. Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio
- Adults: 30:2 for all rescuers.
- Children & Infants:
- Single rescuer: 30:2.
- Two rescuers: 15:2 to deliver more frequent breaths.
6. AED Use
- Use pediatric pads and settings if available for children under 8 or under 25 kg.
- If not available, adult pads can be used but must not touch each other.
7. Emotional Challenges
- Pediatric codes can be emotionally intense for rescuers.
- Confidence in age-specific training and practice can reduce hesitation and improve outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to perform CPR is vital, but understanding how it changes based on age can make all the difference. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare provider, or teacher—get trained in both adult and pediatric CPR. You never know whose life you might save.
